Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Karbala, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. The region’s BWh climate means that residents face significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, where the index can reach a maximum of 11—indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoor environment of Karbala while minimizing the risks associated with harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting with a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at an impressive 11 at noon, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. The index begins to taper off in the afternoon, with readings of 10 at 1:00 PM and 8 at 2:00 PM, before gradually decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index returns to a more moderate 3 at 4:00 PM, and continues to decline, settling at 1 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday sun demands respect, making awareness of UV levels essential for outdoor safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays distinct seasonal changes, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), with recommended burn times decreasing from 30 to 25 minutes. The most critical months are March through August, where the Index peaks at 12 in May and 11 in June and July, marking these months as having extreme exposure levels, with burn times as low as 10 minutes. August and September maintain a very high UV Index of 9, before dropping to 7 in October and decreasing to 5 and 4 during the winter months of November and December, respectively. For visitors and residents, it is vital to take extra precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March through August. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage from UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosul UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Erbil UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Abu Ghurayb UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Baghdad UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Karbala | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |